Dr. Anthony McCarthy:

One of the most important points about perinatal mental health services in general is that they are preventative. We are trying to prevent mental health problems in the mother or treat them early. In this way, ongoing bonding issues, attachment issues and mental health problems for the children are prevented. If we do not intervene, then the mother is badly depressed or anxious and not getting help, which can have a negative effect on children. That would perpetuate problems through the generations.